Boy with gun bypassed school security measures, officials say
A 16-year-old former student of U.S. Grant High School who was taken into custody after bringing a gun to the school Thursday bypassed security protocols, school officials said Friday.
The school was placed on lockdown Thursday morning after officials said they found a gun inside a backpack Jermaine Ladell Robinson was carrying. Robinson fled the school shortly before the handgun loaded with six bullets was found.
School officials said Friday that the former student gained entry to the school after two current students let him in, which allowed him to bypass a metal detector at the school’s main entrance.
A coach at the school noticed Robinson and notified administrators, who said he was not allowed on campus.
Robinson was taken to an office to be searched and Assistant Principal Kandy Hunt said he consented to the search but soon fled the office and left the school. She said she opened the backpack and found a sweater and the gun inside.
“We are very grateful for the quick response of school staff and law enforcement who prevented what could have been a tragic situation,” Oklahoma City Public Schools spokeswoman Beth Harrison said. “As always, the safety and security of our students and staff are our top priority.”
The lockdown, issued Thursday morning, was later shifted to a lockout while police searched for the boy. Officials said a lockout meant no one was allowed to enter or leave the school. It was later lifted after the boy was taken into custody Thursday afternoon.
Officials said the two students who allowed the boy to enter the school have been disciplined according to the district’s student code of conduct.
Oklahoma City police said Robinson has previously been arrested in connection with at least two robberies where a gun was used.